Costa Rica, located in Central America, is renowned for its natural beauty, diverse ecosystems, and commitment to environmental conservation. The country boasts lush rainforests, pristine beaches, volcanic landscapes, and cloud forests, with national parks like Manuel Antonio, Tortuguero, and Arenal Volcano offering abundant wildlife encounters. Adventure seekers can enjoy activities such as zip-lining, white-water rafting, surfing, and hiking. Costa Rica’s “Pura Vida” lifestyle epitomizes a laid-back, friendly culture, with locals known for their hospitality and appreciation of life’s simple pleasures.
Provinces
Costa Rica is a treasure trove of natural beauty, cultural richness, and adventure, encapsulated within its seven distinct provinces: Alajuela, Cartago, Guanacaste, Heredia, Limón, Puntarenas, and San José.
- Alajuela, known as the “City of Mangos,” is home to the country’s second-largest city, also called Alajuela. This province is famous for its lush coffee plantations and the stunning Arenal Volcano.
- Cartago is the historic heart of Costa Rica, with its rich colonial past and beautiful architecture. The city of Cartago, once the capital, houses the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels, an important pilgrimage site.
- Guanacaste, located in the northwestern part of Costa Rica, is renowned for its golden beaches, dry tropical climate, and vibrant cultural heritage.
- Heredia, often referred to as the “City of Flowers,” is a province characterized by its lush landscapes and coffee plantations.
- Limón, located on the Caribbean coast, is a vibrant province known for its Afro-Caribbean culture, beautiful beaches, and rich biodiversity.
- Puntarenas stretches along the Pacific coast and is known for its diverse landscapes, including beaches, mountains, and rainforests. Jaco and the Nicoya Peninsula are popular for their surfing spots and vibrant beach towns.
- San José, the capital province, is the political, economic, and cultural center of Costa Rica. San José also serves as a central hub for exploring the rest of the country, with easy access to other provinces.
The Same
Both The Family and The Dinks have visited Costa Rica a couple of times so there was some overlap in experiences mainly in Arenal and some other activities even though they may have done them in different locations.
Arenal Volcano National Park
Arenal Volcano National Park, located in northern Costa Rica, is renowned for its impressive volcano, diverse ecosystems, and abundance of outdoor activities. The park is dominated by the towering Arenal Volcano, one of Costa Rica’s most iconic landmarks. Although the volcano is currently dormant, its perfectly symmetrical shape and lush vegetation make it a breathtaking sight. Visitors can hike through the park’s trails to viewpoints offering stunning views of the volcano and its surroundings.
Hot Springs: Arenal is famous for its natural hot springs, fed by the geothermal activity of the volcano. Many resorts and spas in the area offer thermal pools and spa treatments, allowing visitors to relax and unwind in the soothing waters while enjoying views of the volcano. The Dinks chose to go to Baldi which was featured on the show the Bachelor. Not sure if it was the time of year (Beginning of May/their rainy season) or what but the place was very empty. It allowed us to spend time in several of the hot tubs alone. We did the deal that included dinner. The meal itself was okay but nothing beats the beautiful view of the volcano.
Adventure Activities: The Arenal area is a mecca for adventure enthusiasts, with a wide range of outdoor activities available. We both chose to do zip-lining through the rainforest. It’s an experience Costa Rica is known for and if your going to do it, the rainforest in Costa Rica is the perfect place. Being scared of heights, it was nerve wracking at first. But after a few platforms, you start getting use to it.
Local Cuisine
As always, our differing interests converge at dining table where we unite in our pursuit of authentic local cuisine. Costa Rican cuisine is characterized by its simplicity, freshness, and reliance on locally sourced ingredients. Costa Rican cuisine emphasizes bold flavors, and a mix of influences from indigenous traditions, Spanish colonial heritage, and Afro-Caribbean influences, making it a delightful exploration for food enthusiasts visiting the country.
- Ceviche: Fresh seafood marinated in lime juice with onions, cilantro, and peppers. Costa Rican ceviche often includes shrimp or sea bass and is served as a refreshing appetizer.
- Tamales: Costa Rican tamales are wrapped in banana leaves and filled with seasoned rice, vegetables, and often pork or chicken. They are typically enjoyed during holidays or special occasions.
- Empanadas: Deep-fried or baked pastries filled with a variety of ingredients such as cheese, beans, potatoes, or meat. They are a favorite snack or street food item.
- Patacones: Fried plantains smashed into thick discs and served as a side dish or appetizer. They are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, often served with refried beans or guacamole.
- Olla de Carne: A hearty beef stew made with chunks of beef, vegetables (like corn, carrots, and plantains), and herbs, simmered slowly to create a rich broth.
- Coffee: Costa Rica is renowned for its high-quality coffee beans grown in the fertile volcanic soils. Enjoy a cup of freshly brewed Costa Rican coffee, known for its smooth flavor and aromatic profile. (If you are a coffee lover like us, definitely purchase some to bring how.)
The DINKs
We tried to cover everything from the rainforest to the beach, volcanos to the city of San Jose.
San Jose
San Jose, the capital city of Costa Rica, is a vibrant and bustling metropolis nestled in the heart of the Central Valley. It worked as a great hub for several things outside the metro area.
Central Market: The Mercado Central is a must-visit destination for those looking to experience the sights, sounds, and flavors of Costa Rican culture. This bustling market offers a wide array of fresh produce, local handicrafts, and traditional foods, making it a perfect spot for sampling authentic Costa Rican cuisine and picking up souvenirs. I always love walking through local markets and checking out all the different cultural foods and local produce.
Poás Volcano, located in the Central Valley of Costa Rica, is one of the country’s most visited and iconic attractions. Poás Volcano is known for its large, active crater, which contains a stunning turquoise-colored crater lake. Visitors can hike to the edge of the crater and admire the otherworldly landscape, with plumes of steam and gas rising from the lake below. The crater is one of the largest in the world, measuring nearly a mile in diameter. Definitely as close as we have ever gotten to an active volcano. You could smell and taste the sulfur in the air. The national park surrounding Poás Volcano offers several hiking trails of varying lengths and difficulty levels. These trails wind through lush cloud forests and provide opportunities to observe the park’s diverse flora and fauna, including orchids, bromeliads, and hummingbirds.
La Paz Waterfall Gardens is a popular eco-tourism attraction in Costa Rica, located near the Poás Volcano and the town of Alajuela. While it’s not exactly a zoo, it does feature a variety of wildlife exhibits and natural habitats where visitors can observe native animals up close.
- Waterfalls: The highlight of La Paz Waterfall Gardens is its series of stunning waterfalls, which cascade down lush, forested cliffs. Visitors can follow well-maintained trails through the rainforest to reach viewpoints overlooking the waterfalls, including the iconic La Paz Waterfall, which plunges over 100 feet into a crystal-clear pool below.
- Wildlife Exhibits: La Paz Waterfall Gardens is home to a diverse array of native Costa Rican wildlife, including jaguars, pumas, ocelots, monkeys, toucans, and hummingbirds. Visitors can explore the park’s various animal exhibits, which are designed to mimic natural habitats and provide educational opportunities about conservation and biodiversity. It’s such a neat overall experience because of the engagement from the animals. One monkey loves to hold people’s hand as they come by. The Toucans and butterflies will land on your hand. There is a rope to play with the lion.
- Butterfly Observatory: The park features a butterfly observatory where visitors can observe hundreds of colorful butterflies in their natural habitat. The observatory is filled with tropical plants and flowers that attract butterflies, creating a magical and immersive experience for visitors of all ages.
- Hummingbird Garden: La Paz Waterfall Gardens is also home to a hummingbird garden, where visitors can observe these tiny, iridescent birds up close. The garden is filled with nectar-rich flowers and feeders that attract hummingbirds, providing ample opportunities for photography and observation.
Jaco
You can’t visit Costa Rica with out visiting the beach. We chose Jaco because it was easy to get to via public bus. Jaco is a popular beach town located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and abundant outdoor activities.
- Beaches: Jaco Beach is the main attraction, offering golden sands and excellent surfing conditions. aka the surf is fairly rough. So not the best for families. With consistent waves year-round, Jaco is a haven for surfers of all skill levels. My husband was able to try surfing as they rent boards right on the beach.
- Nightlife: Jaco is famous for its lively nightlife scene, with an array of bars, clubs, and restaurants lining the main strip. You’ll find everything from beachfront bars serving cold drinks to dance clubs with live music and DJs. The atmosphere is vibrant and energetic, making Jaco a popular destination for party-goers.
The Family
Manuel Antonio National Park
Manuel Antonio National Park, located on the central Pacific coast of Costa Rica, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and rich biodiversity.
- Pristine Beaches: Manuel Antonio is famous for its pristine white-sand beaches nestled against lush rainforest backdrop. Visitors can relax on the picturesque shores of Playa Manuel Antonio and Playa Espadilla, where crystal-clear waters offer excellent swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing opportunities.
- Dense Rainforest: The park is characterized by its dense tropical rainforest, home to an incredible variety of wildlife. Visitors can explore a network of hiking trails winding through the forest, offering the chance to spot exotic animals such as sloths, monkeys, iguanas, and colorful tropical birds. We saw all of the above. The monkeys were everywhere. Drinking of water fountains and you could always look for a tour group stopped in an area and know there was wildlife near by.
- Scenic Lookouts: Manuel Antonio National Park boasts several scenic viewpoints offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding coastline. The most popular lookout points include Mirador Punta Catedral and Mirador Playa Gemelas, where visitors can capture stunning sunset vistas.
River Tubing: Costa Rica’s rivers wind through dense rainforests, offering stunning views of towering trees, exotic plants, and diverse wildlife. As you float downstream, you’ll have the opportunity to soak in the natural beauty of the surrounding environment. River tubing provides an exhilarating experience as you navigate gentle rapids and twists and turns in the river. The rushing water adds an element of excitement to the journey, making it a memorable adventure for thrill-seekers. It was definitely a more family friendly alternative to river rafting which is often on much high rapids.
Summary
In exploring Costa Rica, both the DINKs and the Family embraced the country’s natural wonders and culinary delights, with visits to Arenal Volcano National Park highlighting their itineraries. The DINKs ventured further to experience the urban charm of San Jose and the beach town vibes of Jaco, while the Family immersed themselves in the lush biodiversity of Manuel Antonio National Park. Each group’s journey provided a unique perspective on Costa Rica’s diverse landscapes and cultural offerings. Whether marveling at volcanic landscapes, sampling local flavors, or exploring vibrant cityscapes and coastal paradises, both experiences epitomized the richness and allure of this Central American gem.
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